Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

How should a nursing assistant control bleeding from a wound?

1. Apply ice to the wound

2. Hold a thick pad against the wound and press down hard

3. Wash the wound with soap and water

4. Keep the wound exposed to air

The correct answer is: Hold a thick pad against the wound and press down hard

To effectively control bleeding from a wound, applying a thick pad against the wound and pressing down hard is the most appropriate action. This method works by applying direct pressure, which helps to slow down or stop the flow of blood. It is crucial in managing bleeding because it encourages the formation of a blood clot at the site of injury, effectively minimizing blood loss until further medical assistance can be obtained. In wound care, direct pressure is an established technique recommended by healthcare professionals. It is especially important to maintain firm pressure for an adequate amount of time, typically around 10 minutes, to help ensure that any bleeding is controlled. Other methods, such as applying ice, washing the wound, or exposing it to air, do not effectively address the immediate need to stop bleeding. Ice may help reduce swelling but does not directly control bleeding. Washing the wound is more appropriate for cleaning it after bleeding has stopped, and exposing it to air can actually increase the risk of further bleeding and infection. Therefore, using direct pressure with a pad is the best practice for a nursing assistant when managing a bleeding wound.